Portland and South Portland, two neighboring cities in Maine, have recently launched a new plan to incentivize residents under the “electrify everything” program.
If you purchase electric vehicles, bicycles, or even home weatherization equipment and you reside in South Portland, you could be eligible to receive some money back.
The city told WGME that the program began in September 2022 and offers citizens discounts on various electric consumer products.
The city has since distributed almost $100,000 and still has $150,000 available.
MUNICH, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 07: A Kettler Cargo E-bike is presented during the 2021 Munich Motor Show IAA Mobility on September 07, 2021 in Munich, Germany. The IAA is taking place for the first time in Munich after traditionally being held in the past every two years in Frankfurt. Due to the ongoing effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic the IAA is taking place in a reduced form, with fewer exhibitors and participants. (Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images)
Electrify Everything Program: Portland, South Portland Launches Incentives
South Portland Sustainability Director Julie Rosenbach explained in a WTMW report that they want to assist households convert from fossil fuels to more efficient electric systems under the Electrify Everything Program.
Rosenbach said they want to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and make our town more adaptable to climate change as it worsens.
Portland’s March-launched Electrify Everything program offers city-negotiated discounts for rooftop solar and electric car chargers or heat pumps through installer Revision Energy.
In the same WTMW report, Portland Sustainability Director Troy Moon said they’re focused on house electrification because 60% of Portland’s emissions come from structures.
Moon said 80 residents used the offers in the last six months, with no salary limit.
Next, Moon thinks the city may give solar installation discounts or incentives in multi-unit apartment complexes, where half of the city’s people dwell.
How Much You’d Get
The same WTMW report mentioned that the electric lawnmowers and leaf blowers receive $100 refunds, e-bikes $300, e-cargo bikes $500, and heat pumps $400 to $1,200 (depending on if they are hot water heat or air source heat).
South Portland offers $100 off air sealing with an efficiency assessment and 20% off home insulation projects up to $2,000.
On top of any state or federal benefit or tax credit, such as Efficiency Maine’s incentives for all state residents, the highest refund of $2,000 is available for buying a new electric car, hybrid or battery-operated.
Only South Portland residents earning up to 100% of the local median income—$112,000 for a family of four—are eligible for refunds under the electrify everything program.
The city will use $270,000 from last year’s federal coronavirus relief funding from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act to pay the refunds under the electrify everything program.
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